Visitors at British tourist hotspot issued 'significant' removal warning ahead of Easter weekend

Authorities in Wales have issued a stark warning to Easter holidaymakers about parking near tourist hotspots.

With the clocks having recently changed and schools broken up for the holidays, officials are predicting a "significant" surge in visitor numbers to the region over the coming days and weeks.

Cyngor Gwynedd and Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park are jointly preparing for the anticipated influx of tourists and hikers eager to explore the Welsh mountains.

The local council has confirmed it will work alongside the National Park and North Wales Police to monitor parking behaviour and promote responsible tourism throughout the busy period.

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Visitors have also been reminded not to drop litter, to show respect towards local communities, and to follow any regulations or warning signs in place.

Gerwyn Jones, assistant head of the council's environment (transport) department, made clear that authorities would take a firm stance on unlawful parking, noting that illegally parked vehicles have previously blocked access for emergency services.

"It is extremely important that our roads are clear to allow the emergency services to be able to do their job and to ensure the flow of traffic," he said.

"We ask motorists to park sensibly and respect the parking restrictions and keep the roads unobstructed and safe."

Mr Jones added: "If necessary, police and council officers will use their powers to take appropriate action to remove illegally parked vehicles in the interests of public safety."

Drivers have been encouraged to use public transport where possible to help prevent major congestion on local roads.

Angela Jones, Eryri's head of partnerships, has urged walkers to carefully prepare before venturing into the mountains this Easter.

"We really want everyone to enjoy all that Eryri has to offer over the Easter period, but it is important that people do so in safe and responsible ways," she said.

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Ms Jones highlighted that mountain rescue teams operating in the national park have already received more callouts than ever this year, with some teams responding to multiple incidents in a single day.

"To reduce the pressure on these volunteers, people need to realise the nature of the landscapes, the mountains can be unsafe areas without planning in advance," she warned.

"Visitors should ensure they are thoroughly prepared and that they have the right equipment for each landscape, and enough food and water."

Those travelling in motorhomes and campervans have been directed to stay overnight at designated council "Arosfan" facilities rather than parking in laybys and communal areas.

The summer timetable for the Wyddfa Sherpa bus service is now operational, connecting popular routes up Snowdon with nearby towns and villages, including a half-hourly service running between Llanberis and Pen y Pass.

Mr Jones also cautioned those planning coastal walks to exercise care and plan their routes in advance.

"The bad weather over the winter has affected the condition of a number of public footpaths in Gwynedd," he said.

The council has issued a six-point checklist for visitors, which includes checking tide times and weather forecasts, using dedicated car parks, and taking all rubbish home.

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